“The Health Benefits of Altruism Over the past few decades, scientists have studied the health benefits of selflessness, often referred to as “helper’s high.” Those who volunteer have lower rates of depression, lower mortality rates, higher self-esteem, and greater functional ability than those who do not volunteer. A 2005 study showed that volunteers actually experience greater benefits than the people receiving their support. So what’s going on? In the simplest form, when we give to others selflessly (not expecting anything in return), our brains release dopamine, serotonin, and lots of other happy hormones that make you feel warm and tingly inside.”